Municipal Swimming Pool
San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In September 1936 a devastating flood swept down the South Concho River, inundating much of the city of San Angelo. Among the many properties lost or severely damaged were the city's parks and its public swimming pool. Plans were made to rebuild the parks and construct a new municipal swimming pool, but a bond election held in 1937 to finance the project was defeated by the voters. Once it was determined that the federal government would assist with Works Progress Administration funds and labor for the project, a new bond election was held and passed by sixty-six votes. Work on the project began in March 1938 and was completed in October. Opening ceremonies were held on April 29, 1939. During its first two days of operation, the pool hosted 795 swimmers. Designed by John G. Becker, the Pueblo revival complex features a two-story hexagonal stone structure flanked by one-story wings. Exposed vigas are symmetrically placed on the upper portion of the wings. The complex reflects the 1930's construction and planning activity of the Federal Works Progress Administration. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1989
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
When a devastating flood swept down the South Concho River in September 1936, it destroyed much of San Angelo's parks and its public pool. Voters twice went to the polls before a bond—paired with federal Works Progress Administration funds and labor—cleared the way, and work began in 1938. The Pueblo Revival complex designed by John G. Becker opened in 1939, drawing 795 swimmers in its first two days, its exposed vigas and hexagonal stone tower a signature of Depression-era public building.
Why it matters
The pool embodies the New Deal's transformation of American towns, when federal relief programs put people to work building lasting civic amenities.
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Related people
- · John G. Becker
Related events
- · 1936 South Concho River flood
- · Works Progress Administration construction
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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